“Young Master Qiao memorized it?” Chief Justice Zhang looked at Qiao Mo with several degrees more incredulity.

Account books weren’t classical texts – they were full of unfamiliar names and data with no discernible pattern. Someone who could memorize account books truly had an astonishing memory.

Chief Justice Zhang and the Left Censor-in-Chief couldn’t help but look toward Kou Xingze.

The reputation of the Qiao family’s Yulang had once been quite prominent in the capital, on par with the son of the Eldest Princess Changrong. However, the fame spread outside all spoke of this Young Master Qiao’s excellence in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, inheriting the style of Master Qiao Zhuo. But at their current status and position, they no longer paid much attention to such accomplishments, so their previous impression of this Young Master Qiao hadn’t been particularly deep.

But what a student with photographic memory meant was self-evident.

Kou Xingze noticed his two colleagues looking at him and coughed lightly: “Mo’er’s memory is indeed excellent.”

But he hadn’t known it could be this good.

He and his in-law Qiao Zhuo had always disagreed on principles.

He hoped to advance further in officialdom, and if that wasn’t possible, at least help his descendants avoid some detours.

Qiao Zhuo was the exact opposite. Rather than serving as the highly prestigious Chancellor of the Imperial Academy, he had gone traveling mountains and waters early on. That was one thing, but he showed no enthusiasm for his descendants’ imperial examinations.

To say nothing else, the provincial graduate degree that Qiao Mo held was only obtained because he had specifically instructed his daughter during his birthday celebration, prompting his grandson to take the exam.

This child had photographic memory—

Kou Xingze observed Qiao Mo impassively while sighing inwardly.

Qiao Zhuo had truly wasted exceptional talent. If this were his grandson—

His grandson couldn’t possibly have this kind of memory… This thought suddenly flashed through Minister Kou’s mind, leaving him feeling dejected.

“Then, please have Young Master Qiao quickly write out the account book from memory.” Though hearing Kou Xingze say this, Chief Justice Zhang still harbored doubts and couldn’t help but urge.

Shao Mingyuan glanced at Chief Justice Zhang indifferently and said with a half-smile: “Lord Zhang needn’t be impatient. Since I’ve disturbed my brother-in-law in the middle of the night, I should at least let him have a cup of hot tea, shouldn’t I?”

Chief Justice Zhang smiled awkwardly: “Your Lordship is right. Young Master Qiao, please have some tea first. The account book matter can wait.”

In his momentary anxiety, he had thought that since the Qiao family couldn’t escape involvement anyway, Qiao Mo helping was only natural. But Marquis Guanjun’s attitude reminded him that the Qiao family were the victims. With the account books burned, His Majesty would only show more compassion toward the Qiao family members – they were the ones facing disaster.

Qiao Mo’s attitude was respectful, but his tone was neither servile nor arrogant: “Since the lords are anxious, this student’s heart is also urgent. After I finish writing the account book from memory, I’ll accompany the lords for tea.”

Upon hearing this, Chief Justice Zhang’s impression of Qiao Mo improved considerably, and he nodded repeatedly: “Then we’ll trouble Young Master Qiao.”

The Left Censor-in-Chief, who had been silent all along, suddenly sighed: “I worked with your father for many years, yet never heard him mention Young Master Qiao’s affairs. Now it seems your father was too modest.”

Qiao Mo’s face showed sorrow: “Father rarely discussed court matters at home, and I imagine he was the same outside.”

The Left Censor-in-Chief nodded: “Young Master Qiao, please proceed with your work.”

On the broad huanghuali writing desk lay brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Qiao Mo sat upright beside it, thought briefly, then picked up the brush and began writing.

Except for Shao Mingyuan, the other three couldn’t help but gather around, watching as vigorous and elegant small characters appeared on the paper without the slightest hesitation.

Chief Justice Zhang saw the first few names on the paper and his brow jumped, causing him to turn toward the Left Censor-in-Chief.

The two burned account books were extraordinary. After obtaining them, they had all reviewed them. Of course, they couldn’t remember the contents, but they had vague impressions of the first few names.

Qiao Mo had memorized them!

The two exchanged glances, and only then did the worry in their eyes temporarily subside.

Kou Xingze observed coldly for a while, then turned to look at Shao Mingyuan.

Shao Mingyuan said quietly: “Gentlemen, let’s go outside to avoid disturbing my brother-in-law’s writing.”

After the group went out, Kou Xingze sighed softly: “Unfortunately, what Mo’er memorized was the account book about embezzling military funds.”

Everyone understood that what His Majesty truly cared about was the other book.

The Left Censor-in-Chief spoke: “Fortunately, those scoundrels were in collusion. Those who reached for military funds can’t escape the crime of collaborating with foreign enemies.”

Chief Justice Zhang shook his head and sighed: “Without the account book, they can only be convicted of embezzling military funds. It’s still different.”

Everyone fell silent for a moment.

“Perhaps we should invite Censor Xing over. He wrote both account books – maybe he can still remember some things.”

“That wouldn’t convince people,” Shao Mingyuan said calmly.

All three looked at him.

“Even if Censor Xing could barely remember thirty or forty percent of the account book’s contents, who would acknowledge such an incomplete record? They could completely claim that too much time had passed and Censor Xing remembered incorrectly.”

“Yes, both account books implicated nearly all officials in Fudong. If they insisted on denying everything, no one could do anything about it,” Chief Justice Zhang murmured.

“Have the three lords sealed off news of the fire at the offices?”

Kou Xingze nodded: “The fire’s scope wasn’t large – only that one office room, and it was extinguished as soon as it started. Apart from account books and materials, there was almost no other damage. Those who participated in fighting the fire have been instructed and won’t spread the word.”

“In that case, it’s simple. The three lords just need to restore both account books to their original state.”

The three looked puzzled.

“I’ll invite Censor Xing over. After my brother-in-law finishes writing from memory, Censor Xing can copy it out again.”

For safety’s sake, after dark, Shao Mingyuan had arranged for Censor Xing to stay at Marquis Guanjun’s residence.

Chief Justice Zhang’s eyes lit up as he clapped his hands: “Excellent!”

Both account books had originally been written by Censor Xing. As long as the contents remained unchanged, if Censor Xing rewrote them, who could point out any problems?

This was originally a simple matter, but they had been too heavy-hearted to think it through at first.

“However, the other account book—” The Left Censor-in-Chief looked at Shao Mingyuan hesitantly.

At this point, he was beginning to believe this young Marquis Guanjun must have solutions they couldn’t think of.

Shao Mingyuan smiled slightly: “I’ll find a way for the other account book. Before noon, I’ll give the three lords an answer.”

“Then we’ll rely on Your Lordship.”

Leaving the Ministry of Justice offices and walking on the street, dawn was beginning to break.

Shao Mingyuan instructed his guard waiting outside to return to Marquis Guanjun’s residence to fetch Censor Xing, while he turned his horse around and went directly to the residence next to the Li mansion.

The residence had two personal guards watching over it. Though small, the grounds were swept clean.

Shao Mingyuan pushed open the door and entered, surprisingly feeling like he was coming home.

He looked toward the Li residence’s direction and smiled, gave his guards some instructions, then lay down to sleep.

After more than an hour, his guard gently woke Shao Mingyuan: “General, it’s already the hour of chen.”

Shao Mingyuan leaped up and pushed open the window. The bitter cold wind blew in, and outside the daylight was indeed bright.

He didn’t rush to contact Qiao Zhao. After carefully washing and grooming himself and shaving the stubble on his chin clean, he finally ordered: “Bring the carrier pigeon.”

In the West Residence, Qiao Zhao had just returned from paying respects at Qingsong Hall and was preparing to tidy up before accompanying He Shi to the East Residence to pay respects to the old matriarch, when a gray pigeon landed at her feet.